What is the Best Mobile Card Machine for UK Businesses?

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

Last Updated 28th of November 2025

4 minute read

If you run a business in the UK and want to take card payments anywhere, having a good mobile card machine is key. From cafés and taxis to market stalls and beauty salons, mobile machines help you take payments on the go. We’ll help you pick the best one for your needs.

The best mobile card machine for UK businesses in 2025 is the SumUp Solo for simplicity, Square Reader for value, and Zettle by PayPal for POS features. Each offers low fees, fast setup, and no contracts. The right choice depends on your business size and payment needs.

There are many options out there, but we’ve done the research for you. Below, you’ll see detailed comparisons, pricing info, and expert tips to help you decide which card machine is right for your UK business.

Get the Best Deal Today – Click the button below to discover the best mobile card machine for seamless payments.

What is the Best Mobile Card Machine for UK Businesses?

Choosing the best mobile card machine depends on your business type, how you take payments, and how much you want to spend. Today, UK businesses need a machine that’s portable, fast, affordable, and works well with phones or tablets.

Let’s look at the top machines available in the UK market and what makes each one stand out. From ease of use and price to features and support, we cover it all to help you choose with confidence.

Top Mobile Card Machines in the UK (2025)

Here are the most popular and trusted mobile card machines used by UK businesses:

SumUp Solo is the best all-rounder. It’s great for small shops and services.
Square Reader wins on price and ease of use for first-time users.
Zettle by PayPal is best for those needing more POS features like product tracking.

How to Choose the Right Mobile Card Machine

When picking a mobile card machine, think about:

• Transaction Fees – Lower is better if you take lots of payments.
• Device Cost – Some machines are cheap to buy upfront.
• App and POS Support – Do you need to track inventory or issue receipts?
• Connectivity – Does it work without Wi-Fi or need a mobile app?
• Payout Speed – How quickly can you get your money?

Ask yourself:

“Do I want something simple to use?”
“Do I need more features as my business grows?”
“Am I on the move a lot?”

SumUp Solo: Simple, Stylish and Smart

Why choose SumUp Solo?

SumUp Solo is a compact, touchscreen card reader that doesn’t need a phone. It connects via Wi-Fi or a built-in SIM with free data. There are no monthly fees, and you get your money in 1–2 days.

Key Features:

• Built-in SIM and Wi-Fi
• Stylish design with colour display
• Accepts contactless, chip & PIN
• Includes charging dock
• Offline mode

Great for:

Cafés, hairdressers, mobile therapists, and taxis.

Square Reader: Best Entry-Level Option

If you’re starting out or only need a reader sometimes, Square Reader is a low-cost and effective choice. It connects to your phone and runs on the free Square app.

Why it’s great:

• £19 one-off cost
• Works with iOS and Android
• Fast setup and no contract
• Good app for managing sales

Ideal for:

Market stalls, pop-up shops, and small mobile traders.

Zettle by PayPal: Feature-Rich POS Integration

Zettle by PayPal gives a full POS experience in a small package. It works with the Zettle app to track stock, print receipts, and manage customers.

Highlights:

• £29 device cost
• Works via Bluetooth with the app
• Strong support from PayPal
• Multiple device options

Best for:

Boutiques, salons, and food trucks needing more than just payments.

myPOS Go Combo: International and Multi-Currency

For businesses that work across borders or need 24/7 settlement, myPOS Go Combo is a smart pick. It works with its own SIM, includes a charging dock, and even prints receipts.

Perks:

• Instant settlement to a free IBAN account
• Multi-currency and international-ready
• Printer and dock included

Use if you:

Operate across Europe or want faster access to your money.

TakePayments A920: Custom Features for Growth

TakePayments offers tailored solutions for growing UK businesses. The A920 is a smart terminal with touch screen, printer, and fast 4G.

What’s unique:

• Tailored pricing plans
• Personal onboarding
• Helpful UK-based support
• POS-ready with apps and printer

Great for:

Hospitality, retail, and businesses needing custom support.

What Else to Think About Before You Buy

Here are a few more questions to ask before you choose your card machine:

• Do you want a contract? (Some require one, some don’t.)
• How fast do you need your money? (Instant payout vs 1–3 days.)
• Do you need customer support? (Live help can be vital for busy days.)
• What payment types are needed? (Contactless, Google Pay, Apple Pay?)

Final Thoughts: Which Machine is Right for You?

The best mobile card machine depends on how you run your business. Choose one that fits your day-to-day life and lets you take payments fast and easy.

✅ Ready to choose the best mobile card machine for your business? Click the link below to compare deals and see which one suits your needs today.

FAQ

Do I need a business account to use these card machines?

Not always. Most like SumUp and Square let you use a personal account, but having a business account helps with payouts and records.

Can I use a mobile card machine without Wi-Fi?

Yes. Devices like SumUp Solo and myPOS Go Combo have SIM cards built-in and work on mobile networks.

What’s the cheapest mobile card reader in the UK?

The Square Reader is the cheapest at £19 and no monthly fees. It connects via an app on your phone.

How quickly do I get paid?

Most providers pay out in 1–2 working days. myPOS offers instant payout to their own business account.

Is customer support available?

Yes. Some offer 24/7 chat, phone or email support. TakePayments is known for strong UK-based support.